Lincoln program grooms future GOP leaders

Sunday

Feb 9, 2014 at 9:18 PM

Gary L. Smith of the Journal Star

WYOMING — When Coleen Magnussen was first urged a couple of years ago to consider applying for a program that trains up-and-coming Republican women for leadership roles, she balked at the application process itself and the demands of a rigorous schedule that spans about eight months.

"It's an enormous commitment," Magnussen said.

But after about a year of being chairwoman for the Stark County Board, a position in which she succeeded friend and mentor Mike Bigger of Wyoming, she followed through on his encouragement to apply for the Illinois Lincoln Excellence in Public Service Series as a way to grow in that position and perhaps others.

"I'm honored to have been selected for this program," Magnussen said a few days after she had joined the six other members of the Class of 2014 of the series at a two-day orientation session in Chicago in late January.

"I think it will be very worthwhile," she added. "I think it will be an opportunity to spotlight Stark County and network more connections around the state, and I think it will also help my leadership abilities."

Also selected to participate this year were Lynn Bila of Downers Grove, Meghan Gray of Beach Park, Heather Oyler of Peoria; Amy Sholar of Alton, Katelyn Wallace of Norma, and Elaine Zannis of Oak Brook.

Oyler, a real estate broker in Peoria, is active in Peoria Area Young Republicans, Easter Seals and Junior Achievement. Her husband, Zachary Oyler, is a candidate for a Peoria County Board seat.

"The Illinois Lincoln Series is a rare opportunity to gain more exposure to the different tiers of government and learn more about various aspects of public service," Oyler said in a statement. "I think that it is wonderful that Republican women have the opportunity to be able to see what women have done within the Republican party and to have the opportunity to grow and learn to help improve the political process."

Nearly 200 women statewide have taken part in the program since it was started in 1994, the organization said in a news release. Participants this year had to pay a $500 application fee and commit to raising $1,000 more.

Sessions of two or three days will take place roughly once a month through October, and will include visits to Springfield and Washington DC. Others will cover topics ranging from public speaking to fundraising to "how to handle the media."

Magnussen said she definitely wants some pointers on public speaking, a skill not much in demand in her profession as a registered nurse working in direct patient care. But she also hopes new knowledge and skills will be helpful in her work on the board.

Magnussen was first elected in 2012, became chairwoman that year, and is up for re-election this year. She had previously served on a local ambulance board.

"I like to serve on boards," she said. "I like to solve problems. That's what is challenging to me."

More information about the program is available at lincolnseries.com.

Gary L. Smith can be reached at (800) 516-0389 or glsmith@mtco.com. Read his Northern Circuit blog at pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @Glsmithx.